Spring is on the way and storm preparation is on our mind. At this time of year, competing warm and cold fronts converge in Indiana skies. The seasonal clash that occurs brings the highest average daily chance of rain in a typical year, as well as thunderstorms with the potential for hail, high winds, and the occasional tornado.
Certain components of your HVAC system, namely the outdoor condenser unit, are exposed to spring storms. Indoor elements are also vulnerable to secondary effects of wild weather, such as voltage surges.
To ensure your HVAC system makes it through the season unscathed, here are some spring storm preparation hints:
- Secure the outside unit. The system condenser coil is usually mounted on a concrete pad and secured by anchor bolts and nuts. Check tightness of bolts to make sure the unit can withstand high winds.
- Cover the condenser if necessary. If potentially damaging hail is forecast, covering the outdoor unit with a commercially-available fitted canvas cover may provide some protection. Note, however, that the air conditioner must remain shut down for the entire time the unit is covered or compressor damage will occur. Don’t power up the A/C until the cover is removed.
- Have surge protection installed. A nearby lightning strike that enters utility lines can send a damaging voltage surge throughout your house. In addition to a point-of-entry surge protector at the main electrical panel, for maximum protection high-voltage HVAC components like the condenser/compressor unit should also have a dedicated surge protector on its individual circuit.
- Shut down the unit during the storm. An air conditioner or furnace is less vulnerable to damage if it is turned off during a severe storm.
- Don’t power the system up if outdoor flooding has occurred. Confirm that the condenser unit outside is not submerged before you restart the A/C. Also, if the furnace is installed in a basement, check the basement for flooding before restarting heat.
For HVAC storm preparation this spring, contact Paitson Bros. For over 95 years, we’ve been here to help in all seasons and all weather.
Jeff Paitson is a third generation business owner who continues to run the business with the same values that have been passed down from previous generations since 1922.
Jeff’s belief is that the business belongs to Jesus Christ; therefore 10 percent of the company’s profits go toward the Maryland Community Church.
Jeff is a Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce member and in his spare time, he enjoys 
Ethan Rayburn is a lifelong resident of Terre Haute and a 2005 graduate of Purdue University.
An Eagle Scout, Ethan spent four years as a non-profit executive with the Boy Scouts of America before joining Paitson Bros. as a comfort advisor and later General Manager. In that role, Ethan has brought a renewed enthusiasm for customer care, integrity, value, and service to Paitson Bros. Heating & Air Conditioning.
Ethan enjoys singing and was a member of the Purdue Varsity Glee Club. He also enjoys playing and coaching soccer, spending time with his family and two young boys, and volunteering his time and resources with his church, Terre Haute First Baptist Church, which he has attended from a very young age.
Paitson Bros
1 (812) 232-2347
Serving the Wabash Valley, IN Area Since 1922